Goddess Padmavati Devi
Goddess Padmavati Devi also known as ‘ALARMEL MANGA’, the consort of Lord Srinivasa, made Tiruchanur Her abode.
- She is glorified as the queen of the Universe.
- She represents the Lord’s Sankalpa (wish).
- The Divine Mother is concerned for the miserable plight of Her children (devotees) by appealing to the Lord to forgive and bless them with compassion.
- Devotees pray to the Supreme Mother to exercise Her loving concern and solicitousness for their welfare and bring them closer to their Father (Lord Srinivasa).
Legend
The Lotus Tank of Tiruchanur has mythological significance. There is an interesting story attached to this holy tank of Tiruchanur.
One day all the rishis gathered in Naimisaranya and discussed who was great among the Trinity and to whom they should offer ‘Yagnaphala’. All the sages ultimately determined to consult sage Bhrigu who they considered to be the final authority.
Bhrigu Testing
Bhrigu first visited Kailasam, the abode of Lord Siva, and then Satyaloka, the abode of Brahma.
The sage was not welcomed in both the Lokas and he felt insulted when he visited Vaikunta, the abode of Srimannarayana. There also he received the same treatment.
The arrogant sage kicked on the chest of Lord Vishnu. Sri Mahalakshmi felt humiliated for it was her permanent abode and she got very angry. She deserted Vaikuntam and settled in ‘KARAVIRAPURA’ or ‘KOLHAPUR’.
Lord Vishnu’s Penance for 12 years
Lord Vishnu unable to bear the separation of Sri Mahalakshmi, did penance for twelve years. Then his desire was fulfilled and his penance bore fruit.
Sri Mahalakshmi emerged in the Lotus tank with a thousand sun rays with serene charm and dignity in the month of Karthika Suklapaksha Panchami on Friday being the star Uttarashada.
Mahalakshmi holding lotus buds in her hand and carrying a lotus garland looked at her husband like a coy bride. Then Sri Padmavati Srinivasa Kalyanam was a magnificent scene for the gods. The divine couple was finally united after a long separation.
At Tiruchanur in her avathara sthala goddess, Padmavati resides in Archa form to shower her benign grace on all of us. The deity is being worshipped in Pancharatra Agama Sampradaya.
Festivals or Sevas
She enjoys all Nithyotsava, Pakshotsava, Masotsava, Samvatsarotsava rituals. Among all the rituals the Brahmotsavam is the most significant splendid festival that is being rendered to her.
Ammavaru seats on several vahanas like Sesha, Garuda, Hamsa, Hanumantha, Simha, Gaja, Surya and Chandraprabha. Among them, the Gaja Vahana is considered to be auspicious as Garuda Vahanam to the Lord. This is because the elephant is regarded as the symbol of ‘Royalty and Wealth’.
The grandeur of Brahmotsavam will conclude with the ‘PANCHAMI THEERTHAM’ as it is very auspicious to Ammavaru.
Mother of Fortunes
The sublime Brahmotsavam at Tiruchanur makes devotees remember the significance of the Mother and Motherhood concept. Have the graceful darshan of Goddess Padmavati Devi, the mother of fortunes, thereby all the misfortunes will vanish materially and eternally.
SRI PADMAVATI SRINIVAASAAYA NAMAH
*Data Source: Saptagiri Magazine